DeMarcus Cousins has just one Kings regret

Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins finally got his wish last season when the Kings traded him. His only regret? Not getting out sooner.

In an interview with ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Cousins opened up about his return to Sacramento on Thursday, his first since the Pelicans traded for him last season. The three-time All-Star admitted he had a chance to leave the lowly Kings when ex-coach George Karl joined the organization in 2015, but instead he opted to stay in hopes of turning their fortunes around.

“My biggest regret is, why didn’t I leave when I had the chance?” Cousins said. “I had the chance, but I fought it. … I should’ve left when I had the chance because they told me what would happen.”

Cousins and Karl butted heads shortly after the coach joined the Kings, and Karl reportedly wanted Cousins out of Sacramento. Karl never actually denied those reports, and the pair’s turmoil spilled onto the court, including one 2016 instance in which Cousins berated Karl during a timeout.

Karl was fired after the 2016 season, while Cousins finally got his wish and was traded with Omri Casspi to the Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and a first- and second-round draft pick. Alongside Anthony Davis, the duo reached the playoffs last season with the Pelicans. Now, he returns to Sacramento for the first time since the trade.

“All last year I felt that’s all it was about,” Cousins said. “‘[Cousins] got traded and he hates Sacramento,’ and I kind of fed into it. But, at the end of the day, it’s a business. I kind of blame myself for even putting myself at that point.

“When you come in, you know it’s a business. How are you going to be loyal to something that hasn’t been loyal to any player that’s ever played this game? I was a fool.”

Cousins spent six and a half seasons with the Kings, with whom he made three All-Star appearances while establishing himself as one of the premier all-around centers in the league. Although his tenure was marred by dramatics, he’s content to just play against the Kings, as if they are like any other opponent.

“I’m excited to play in front of the fans and see their reaction,” Cousins said. “But as far as it just being like a revenge game or anything, I’m past it. I’m in a good place, I’m happy where I’m at.”